I am done with vacation and my son is back in school, so time to get back to work.
I will have spring previews as practice gets closer, but here's a look at what Tulane's roster will be for the beginning of fall practice. They still have to prune at least two more players with 64 returners listed at the moment plus 22 in the signing class and the transfer from Vandy equaling 87. They also might add a player or two on the February signing day.
Today the offense, tomorrow the defense.
QUARTERBACK (3 or 4)
Lindsey Scott, still unsigned, remains the wild card. If he goes somewhere else, Tulane will have an incredibly shaky depth chart behind Jonathan Banks. Khalil McClain would be No. 2, with Christian Daniels No. 3 and a walk-on next. Unless McClain gets better quickly, the season would be riding on Banks' health.
RUNNING BACK (7)
No issues in terms of depth, but it's not certain anyone will be as good as Dontrell Hilliard. I'm expecting a 1-2 punch of Corey Dauphine and Darius Bradwell with Stephon Huderson and Miles Strickland competing with Ygnenio Booker, Cameron Carroll and Amare Jones for reps. I liked Huderson entering the year, and although he was underwhelming in limited opportunities, he's the best bet for the third spot. Each year is different, but barring injuries, it's hard to get four guys in the regular rotation. Huderson, the fourth guy this year, had 19 carries, none in the last six games.
WIDE RECEIVER (12)
Tulane finally has its numbers back to where a D1 program should be with every significant player returning other than seldom-used Chris Johnson, who is transferring. Terren Encalade and Darnell Mooney are sure starters. Jabril Clewis, who was a bit of a disappointment but had his moments, and Jacob Robertson, who came on late, likely will compete for the third starting spot. Devin Glenn, Jaetavian Toles, D.J. Owens, Travis Tucker, Kevin LeDee, Dane Ledford, walk-on Brian Newman and freshmn Sorrell Brown and Jorien Vallien will try to impress. That's 13 players with 12 on scholarship. It's possible one of the returning freshmen will leave.
TIGHT END (5)
The Wave is above average here with Charles Jones, Kendall Ardoin and Will Wallace returning and Tyrick James arriving. Andrew Hicks is not the same player after two ACL tears.
OFFENSIVE LINE (17)
There almost certainly will be attrition here but if not they can fill three units in practice and still have one guy watching from the side. I'm assuming Hunter Knighton will return for his 2nd year as a grad student, meaning every significant contributor but Leeward Brown would be back. Junior Diaz at center and John Leglue at RT are definite starters, as is Corey Dublin at LG. Keyshawn McLeod and Tyler Johnson are the leading candidates at LT, which has to be shored up. Vandy transfer Bailey Granier will compete for a starting spot there or at RG, where Dominique Briggs struggled but remained ahead of Knighton, who also served as th backup center. John Washington fell out of favor. Good depth rather than just bodies remains an issue. Tackles Cameron Jackel and Joey Claybrook are a work in progress. Devon Johnson and Brian Webb are non-factors. I don't know where Vandy transfer Freshmen Nik Hogan, Stephen Lewerenz. Michael Remondet and Jason Swann will get looks.
I will have spring previews as practice gets closer, but here's a look at what Tulane's roster will be for the beginning of fall practice. They still have to prune at least two more players with 64 returners listed at the moment plus 22 in the signing class and the transfer from Vandy equaling 87. They also might add a player or two on the February signing day.
Today the offense, tomorrow the defense.
QUARTERBACK (3 or 4)
Lindsey Scott, still unsigned, remains the wild card. If he goes somewhere else, Tulane will have an incredibly shaky depth chart behind Jonathan Banks. Khalil McClain would be No. 2, with Christian Daniels No. 3 and a walk-on next. Unless McClain gets better quickly, the season would be riding on Banks' health.
RUNNING BACK (7)
No issues in terms of depth, but it's not certain anyone will be as good as Dontrell Hilliard. I'm expecting a 1-2 punch of Corey Dauphine and Darius Bradwell with Stephon Huderson and Miles Strickland competing with Ygnenio Booker, Cameron Carroll and Amare Jones for reps. I liked Huderson entering the year, and although he was underwhelming in limited opportunities, he's the best bet for the third spot. Each year is different, but barring injuries, it's hard to get four guys in the regular rotation. Huderson, the fourth guy this year, had 19 carries, none in the last six games.
WIDE RECEIVER (12)
Tulane finally has its numbers back to where a D1 program should be with every significant player returning other than seldom-used Chris Johnson, who is transferring. Terren Encalade and Darnell Mooney are sure starters. Jabril Clewis, who was a bit of a disappointment but had his moments, and Jacob Robertson, who came on late, likely will compete for the third starting spot. Devin Glenn, Jaetavian Toles, D.J. Owens, Travis Tucker, Kevin LeDee, Dane Ledford, walk-on Brian Newman and freshmn Sorrell Brown and Jorien Vallien will try to impress. That's 13 players with 12 on scholarship. It's possible one of the returning freshmen will leave.
TIGHT END (5)
The Wave is above average here with Charles Jones, Kendall Ardoin and Will Wallace returning and Tyrick James arriving. Andrew Hicks is not the same player after two ACL tears.
OFFENSIVE LINE (17)
There almost certainly will be attrition here but if not they can fill three units in practice and still have one guy watching from the side. I'm assuming Hunter Knighton will return for his 2nd year as a grad student, meaning every significant contributor but Leeward Brown would be back. Junior Diaz at center and John Leglue at RT are definite starters, as is Corey Dublin at LG. Keyshawn McLeod and Tyler Johnson are the leading candidates at LT, which has to be shored up. Vandy transfer Bailey Granier will compete for a starting spot there or at RG, where Dominique Briggs struggled but remained ahead of Knighton, who also served as th backup center. John Washington fell out of favor. Good depth rather than just bodies remains an issue. Tackles Cameron Jackel and Joey Claybrook are a work in progress. Devon Johnson and Brian Webb are non-factors. I don't know where Vandy transfer Freshmen Nik Hogan, Stephen Lewerenz. Michael Remondet and Jason Swann will get looks.
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